Brisbane Roar’s 34-match unbeaten run goes on the line this afternoon when they travel to Ausgrid Stadium this afternoon to meet the Newcastle Jets. We’ll have comprehensive live score updates and commentary from the commencement at 5.30pm AEDT.
The pall of the shadow cast by Brisbane Roar’s near record-equalling unbeaten streak has grown considerably longer in recent weeks as they edge toward Australian sporting history.
A win or a draw this afternoon at Newcastle will tie the record of 34 consecutive unbeaten games, currently held by the Eastern Suburbs NSWRL team who went 35 unbeaten during the 1930s.
But as the record draws nearer, the pressure intensifies, and there is a school of thought out there that suggests that this afternoon could prove to be one of the sternest tests of their streak.
Newcastle, unbeaten in the first three home matches of the season, have not been defeated by the Roar during their streak and were unlucky not to have beaten the Roar when they conceded a late equaliser in their most recent clash.
Without playmaker Mitch Nicholls Brisbane looked somewhat rudderless in their 1-1 draw with Wellington Phoenix last weekend, and he’ll be missing again this afternoon.
For the Jets, they’ll once again be without Michael Bridges but welcome back Ruben Zadkovich to the starting lineup, and Tiago Calvano also comes into contention after shaking off a hamstring injury.
Newcastle have been one of the most unpredictable teams of the seventh A-League instalment; millionaires one week and paupers the next.
Given they weren’t far off their worst during an awful performance at AAMI Park last Saturday in which they were routed 3-0, we could once again see the best of the Jets this afternoon.
Regardless of the outcome this afternoon it will be a memorable spectacle: either the Jets will halt the Roar’s streak at 34, or Ange Postecoglou’s men will etch their names into the annals of history by making it 35 in a row.
All eyes will be on Ausgrid Stadium this afternoon. Be sure to join us from 5.30pm AEDT for minute-by-minute updates of all the action as it happens, and give us your thoughts below.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
We'll have a post-game piece from the Jets/Roar game later this evening.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
That's it from Newcastle, match-day Saturday moves on with Sydney hosting the Central Coast. Live scores here: http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/11/19/sydney-fc-vs-central-coast-mariners-a-league-live-scores/
Tristan Rayner
Editor
FULL TIME, the Roar beat the Jets at home 2-1. The champions prove they are the benchmark again. They survive a spirited and gallant Jets team to reach 35 games unbeaten.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Time just about up here, Newcastle chasing for the ball, finally get it but nothing on.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
90' +6 Jeffers fouled, yellow card given, ref should've let the game keep going. Just a minute left.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
90' +4 Roar go forward again and they are gifted possession from poor Jets play at the back - they just can't do anything with it. Roar finishing strongly as they have all season.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
90' +3 Free to Newcastle just inside Roar territory but nothing doing. Four minutes to go.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
90' +2 - Roar still pushing, Newcastle looking unable to get it out of their area. Flag again up for offside. Newcastle need some inspiration.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
90' Berisha nets a goal but he's offside. Assistant ref gets it right.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
90' - Seven minutes of additional time
Tristan Rayner
Editor
88' No real chances but Berisha hares away before Topor brings him down and earns himself a yellow card.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Meyer is the super-sub of the A-League
Tristan Rayner
Editor
85' Still about ten minutes to go with injury time I reckon. The crowd need to lift the Jets here - can someone be a hero? Jeffers hasn't had much of a touch yet. Roar's machine just keeps rolling.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Can the Jets get it back to a draw? They had a corner but ineffective again. 11-2 corners.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
83' Corner is directed to Meyer, who has plenty of time and fires in a superb finish past Duncan. Great strike. Brisbane haven't looked too likely but find themselves a goal up. Jets 1 - Roar 2
Tristan Rayner
Editor
83' GOAL BRISBANE
Tristan Rayner
Editor
82' Nice play from Broich and Meyer, but butchered in the end and no shot on goal. Corner.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
78' Jeffers into the thick of things, few rough challenges and shirt tugs. Henrique coming off for Brisbane. Meyer is on. Still 1-1
Tristan Rayner
Editor
76' Roar push forward but both teams look fatigued. Jets should have cleared but Roar didn't do much either Jets 1 - Roar 1
Tristan Rayner
Editor
73' Berisha has a temper. Earns a card. Wheelhouse went down hard. Substitution: Here comes Jeffers, as Haliti goes off. This is the Ace up the sleeve for the Jets.